Role of Imperial Oil in the funding ecosystem
Imperial Oil Limited is one of Canada’s largest integrated oil and gas companies and uses part of its profits to support community and social initiatives nationwide. Through its community investment portfolio, Imperial provides cash donations, in-kind contributions and partnership funding to organizations that align with its focus areas. The company reports investing millions of dollars in Canadian communities each year, alongside major one-time gifts such as facilities and laboratories for post-secondary institutions.
Funding priorities and eligible organizations
Imperial structures its community investment around four main themes: STEM education, Indigenous reconciliation, the environment, and healthy communities near its operations. The eligibility criteria highlight support for Canadian charitable organizations with a valid CRA registration, registered non-profits, Canadian public education institutions, government bodies (such as local fire departments or municipal food security programs), and local community or Indigenous groups. Organizations and activities outside Canada, for-profit businesses, political or religious entities, and certain capital or operating campaigns are explicitly ineligible.
Types of support and example initiatives
The company funds both ongoing partnerships and time-limited projects. In education, Imperial backs STEM outreach and innovation through collaborations with groups like Actua, post-secondary institutions and community programs. It has contributed multi-million-dollar donations and created dedicated funds to foster student innovation and applied learning.
For Indigenous communities, Imperial supports scholarships, bursaries and employment-related education. It has long-standing partnerships with organizations such as Indspire and works with specific communities through initiatives like the SEEDS scholarship program. These investments are positioned as part of the company’s reconciliation journey and Indigenous engagement strategy.
Employee engagement and matching funds
Imperial’s ImpACT program adds a corporate matching layer to individual giving. The company provides matching funds for employee volunteer hours and for personal charitable donations, up to a defined annual cap per employee. Combined with staff contributions, this mechanism channels support to hundreds of registered causes across Canada each year, enhancing the reach of Imperial’s formal community investment budget.
Publics served and geographic focus
Imperial’s grantmaking primarily targets Canadian beneficiaries, with an emphasis on communities located near its industrial operations. Priority audiences include youth pursuing STEM education, Indigenous students and communities, environmental organizations working on land, air and water issues, and local agencies that strengthen health, safety and quality of life. Funding is delivered directly by Imperial or via structured partnerships with trusted intermediary organizations.